Hamilton Southeastern High School March 2019 | Volume 30 | Issue 6
Man’s Best Friend Importance, advantages of owning dogs - Page 8
Contents
04 Stronger Earth A healthier Earth can benefit your mental health.
06 Colglazier
The sixteenth year of the Carrie Colglazier workday keeps the memory alive.
08 Dogs
An in-depth look at the emotional and physical benefits of a man’s best friend.
12 Animal Ethics A closer look into Seaworld’s treatment of animals.
14 Sports Gambling The legality of betting on sporting events changes the way apps like FanDuel and DraftKings make money.
Orb Staff Editor-in-Chief Laura Stancato Section Editors Grace Barclay Laurel Black Kersti Hash Ilene Marzke Hayden Sisemore Lilyan Wray Business Manager Nicholas Bostock Advisers Jordan Klobusnik David Young
Staff Lucas Bisesi Kathryn Collins Lee Cook Carson Etheredge Kennedy Fisher Lainee Kirk Evelyn Lahr Peyton McVeigh Elizabeth Moodispaugh Yashasvi Phougat Lauren Riina Sophia Tomlin Megan Tooman Paige S. Sara Vianna Raegan Walsh Sarah Woodward
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Opinion: Robotics and the Labor Gap
The workplace has been rapidly changing in the 21st Century, especially with the advent of robotics phasing out some traditional jobs such as trucking, retail and factory assembly. This leads to a moral debate whether or not we should be replacing jobs traditionally done by humans with robots. People are worrying about a gap of the haves and havenots that would emerge as the jobs on the lower end of society are replaced by robotic counterpart. However, a new gap in lack of skilled workers compared to the need for jobs has seen robotics being used as a solution to fill these needed jobs. Taking a look to Japan, where low birthrates has caused many vacancies in jobs that need to be filled, automation and artificial intelligence have been used to fix this lack of labor inside Japan by filling jobs that used to be worked by humans. This also allows for increased production as robots are improved and developed to work these jobs faster than their past workers. Here in America, the labor gap issue has affected citizens as well, with the amount of job openings being greater than the amount of eligible workers looking to fill them, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May. Buisnesses now are having to compete over labor applicants with rising wages and incentives or they will have to look into automation to close the wage gap here in America. I believe that this will be a positive change for the future conditions for workers and for technology. Not only will incentives and conditions improve in order to attract workers to buisness, but a new generation will have more higher skill jobs open to them. Meanwhile, more unwanted jobs will slowly be made obsolete through automation meaning more research will be made for artificial intelligence and robotics. Column by Carson Etheredge.
Staffer of the Issue: Kennedy Fisher Kennedy is new to staff this semester and is a valuable asset to our staff. She works dilligently to complete her own assignments and is one of the first to offer to help others. Kennedy steps up to shoot any event she can and her hard work does not go unnoticed.
A MOMENT WITH...
Vickie LAZAGA
WCC sponsor discusses International Night What impact does International Night have on the student body and faculty? I believe that International Night has given many students a stronger sense of pride and appreciation for their families and for their cultural heritage. Everyone at HSE can experience many great aspects of other cultures and provide them with new friends and new respect for other cultures. It makes them aware of how rich our school culture really is and the tremendous opportunity we have to experience it on a daily basis, not just at International Night. What have you learned you learned from different cultures? I have learned that people from different cultures can learn so much about life from each other - new and different ways of doing things- sometimes better ways. Learning about different cultures opens your mind to so many new worlds and ideas and ways of thinking. You do not have to take these ideas and cultural differences and make them your own, but it does lead to more respect, more understanding and more compassion for our fellow human beings. Why is it important for students to be exposed to different cultures and appreciate them? It is important for young people to be exposed to different cultures and ethnicities at an early age so that they learn to appreciate and understand them before they are influenced by others who might show prejudice or some negative attitude to those we are culturally and ethnically different. We live in a very multicultural society and we all will have neighbors, co-workers, family members, etc. who will be different from us. It is so much easier to get along, live, work and play together if one understands the language and culture of those around them. There are many wonderful, amazing opportunities and things to enjoy and be a part of right here at HSEwithout having to travel around the world. Photo by Sara Vianna.
International Night will take place at the Leonard Auditorium at 7 p.m. March 22. Tickets are $5 at lunch and $8 at the door.
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Stronger by Earth
Environmental effect on mental health According to the World Health Orginization, mental health is affecting people all around the world. The World Health Organization also said, close to 450 million people have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in the past couple of years. Ecotherapy is one possible solution to this issue. Ecotherapy focuses on reconnecting the body with natural sources of healing. Locating where we fit in to this world can set the mind free. Out in the green spaces of Earth awareness and happiness levels can rise, which in turn can lower stress, depression and help the state of mental health. Energy levels are known to be heightened and opens the mind to the natural beauty and resources the planet has to offer. Social studies teacher, Katie Gelhar, is the sponsor of Hiking Club, a growing group of students that travel to different parks and hike together. “I feel alive when I am outside and at peace,” Gelhar said. “The stress of work is gone and I able to fully live in the moment.”
Participating in park clean-up day, yoga, meditation, or a hike are some ideas to have fun and get in touch with the mind, body and spirit. Finding a friend or group of friends can make ecotherapy more enjoyable, as well as help with motivation and focus. Having a pet as an Ecotherapy partner can help with focused; any type of therapy can be better when there is someone holding you accountable. “I love hiking with my son and on my own time,” Gelhar said. “Seeing the birds and deer and amazing nature calms me.” There are many ways to help the environment along the way. Picking up trash on a leisurly walk, recycle, creating a community garden, or planting a tree. Most importantly, take care of people and their mental health today. Story by Kennedy Fisher.
Artist of the Issue Junior Kristyn Hamke is currently taking Ceramics II after previously taking Drawing 1, Intro to 3-Dimensional Art, Sculpting I and II, Intro to Jewlry and Ceramics I. “My first art class was Drawing I,” Hamke said. “Then I tried Intro to 3D, and loved having Mrs. Baide as a teacher, I pretty much just kept enrolling classes she taught after that class.” Hamke recently won a Scholastic High Distinction Gold Key for a mix media piece, as well as a glass and ceramics piece.(pictured right) that won a Gold Key and American Visions Award. “When I started 3-Dimensional art I absolutely fell in love with it,” Hamke said. “I am so thankful for the oppotunities I have been able to get with the help of teachers like Mrs. Baide and Mrs. Fritz.” Story and Photo by Lauren Riina. Photo Contributed.
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Going Green
New tactics provide chance to help planet Earth’s deteriorating state is accelerating. According to ecologists across the globe and countless stories, time has revealed the magnitude of humankind’s toll on the planet. From glaciers melting at unprecedented rates in Antarctica to massive climate change, people’s actions are resulting in the depletion of Earth. Despite the drastic consequences, there is still time to make a change before it is too late. However, it requires individual efforts worldwide, starting in our own communities. The concept of “reusing, reducing and recycling” has been repeated for decades, and with adapting technology and participation, preserving the planet can becomes easier. “Just pay attention to the little details,” junior Martha Abaddi said. “Consumption, the clothes that you buy and where they come from, the food that you’re eating, how you got it, what steps it took to come to you, electricity, everything that you’re utilizing. Just take a step back and see how it is getting there and how it’s affecting the Earth.” Companies like Loop make it easier to adopt eco-friendly behavior by offering a system of reusable bottles and containers that were once plastic, which is hard to deteriorate and threatens the environment. “I help our environment by recycling as much as possible,” senior Gracie Clarke said. “I made my family get a recycling bin a few years ago and I try not to use plastic. Instead I use reusable straws and paper straws at home so I use fewer plastic straws.” Something as simple as using different straws or refillable products, like those by Loop, can decrease the amount of damage done to the Earth. Clarke believes the state of the environment is important to stay on top of. She emphasizes how maintaining its health could minimize consequences now, and those that can carry into future generations. “Everybody just needs to work together, have a little hope and a positive mindset,” Abaddi said. “Work together, have goals in mind. It’s something that takes a lot of steps, so starting small is a good [step in the right direction.]” Ultimately, Eco-friendliness requires activism and awareness. The simple efforts made today can better the world now and preserve the beauty for generations to come. Story and photos by Paige S.
How do you help the environment?
“When my Boy Scout troop and I go camping, we always patrol the campsite to pick up trash.” Eli Triplett, 9
“I do my best to help the environment by reducing plastic waste and trying not to eat red meat.” Erin Larkin, 12
“I don’t eat beef two times a week since cows produce harmful methane to the environment.” Kaley Taylor, 11
“I take less time in the shower and always turn off lights before I leave the room.” Skyler Swing, 10 HSENews.com
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Why
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“I wanted to help those in our community. It was very humbling to be one of the many kids that devoted their day to Carrie’s legacy.” Claire Shumaker, 10
Carrie Colglazier’s memory stays alive through workday, scholarship
“By participating in the workday I am making my community a better place and showing others the importance of Carrie’s memory” Emonie Miles, 10
“I am in both NHS and soccer, like Carrie. I have heard so many things about her impact on the community.” Claire Wilkinson, 12
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As Athletic Director Jim Self says, it is always sunny on the Carrie Colglazier workday. Colglazier was a model example of what it means to be a Royal. As a two-sport All-State athlete in track and soccer, and a member of both National Honor Society and FFA, her impact was made far and wide. In the summer of 2003 after finishing her freshman year at Butler University, Colglazier was killed by a drunk driver on I-69. The funeral was held in the Leonard Auditorium and the entire Royal community came together to mourn the loss of a life taken too soon. But there was no doubt her legacy and spirit would continue to flood the hallways for years to come. “About a month or two after her funeral, I went to her parents and talked to them about a scholarship in Carrie’s name,” Self said. “They were prepared to help fund the scholarship, but I challenged them that I wanted a way to help keep Carrie’s memory alive here at Hamilton Southeastern.” What Self established was a workday. One Saturday each spring, participants of girls soccer, girls track, NHS and FFA can volunteer their time for a member of the community. Example service projects include raking leaves, planting flowers, cleaning garages and painting. It is common to see the same people hiring year after year because of where the money goes and the quality of the efforts completed by students. The 100-150 students each year resemble Carrie’s character as they work during the day, but when the work is done, the spirit of Carrie stays with them for the rest of their lives. All donations that are made throughout the day go directly to fund the Carrie Colglazier Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is available to all seniors who have worked during the workday, participate in other school activities, have executed academic achievement and portray leadership roles. Bud and Karen Colglazier, Carrie’s parents, match the workday donations, and the money raised at the FFA donkey basketball game also contributes to the $16,000 scholarship distributed over four years. The 2018 recipient of the scholarship, Carly Count, participated in the workday all four years after being encouraged by the soccer coaches and the NHS sponsors. “I think the workday represents much more than a scholarship because it holds Carrie’s legacy,” Count said. “While the workdays are always full of hard work and labor, everyone has a smile on their face throughout the whole day. It’s an amazing feeling to help out a family for the day and know our work is keeping Carrie’s memory alive.” Colglazier demonstrated that a true Royal puts others before themselves, works hard every day and shows constant determination in their own improvement. Her committment to the school inspired Bob Albano, former HSE principal, to create the Set a Good Example Award in her honor as a reminder of her generosity towards others. “She was just a young lady who has made a huge impact on me through her spirit, personality, and passion for Hamilton Southeastern,” Self said. “I thought that the workday was something that she would have volunteered for when she was in high school. I wanted in her death to carry on her memory in a special way.” Story by Raegan Walsh.
Changing Footprints
Donation organization decidated to changing soles How many pairs of shoes do you have? How many of those shoes are just sitting inside of your closet, unworn and useless? According to Madinc.org there are approximately 300 million children alone without a single pair; millions of whom die from easily preventable diseases caused by lack of sufficent footwear. In 2005, co-founders Bob Broughton and Maureen Leisure decided to take action and create a nonprofit organization called Changing Footprints, which is dedicated to providing shoes to anyone. What started inside a warehouse in Rushville, Ind. has grown exponentially, providing thousands of pairs of shoes not just locally but worldwide. “We collect new and gently used shoes for distribution to homeless, disaster-stricken, or underprivileged people locally, nationally, and internationally regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity,” according to, changingfootprints.org. Changing Footprints has multiple volunteer events throughout the year and participates in foundations such as the Miya’s Foundation and Orphan Grain Train’s Hurricane Relief. Miya’s Foundation is devoted to supporting orphanages and school, in Sierra Leone, West Africa, and Changing Footprints sent more than 2,000 pairs of shoes in two years and are currently in the process of sending more for 2019.
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“This project is really exciting as we can get all aspects of HSE - athletics, arts, and academics - to combine and contribute to this service project.” Chayton Davidson, 12
“As our reputation has grown, we have had the pleasure of working with many social service agencies, church missions, medical relief teams, military personnel, and disaster relief teams, requesting shoes for their missions,” Changing Footprints explains in its website. With such an organization just outside of the school’s neighborhood, the school was invited to band together alongside the eight other schools in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference to collect a total of 80,000 pairs of shoes to donate. Senior Sam Huston is one student who helped plan the event. “We hope to bring our school together and use our resources to improve the lives of people local and abroad,” Huston said, “the purpose of the event is to provide shoes for those in need, such as those who can’t afford shoes in our local community, people who have lost footwear due to natural disasters and individuals worldwide who struggle to have adequate footwear.” Overally, the school’s goal is to collect 10,000 pairs of shoes to donate. Everyone is able to help and donate, no matter the cost, condition or age of the shoes. Story
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“My hope for this program is to get participation from our school and community. I want this to show that we can make a difference in our community.” Stephanie HSENews.com McClung, 11
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Dogs benefit health
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Along with every holiday comes children repeatedly asking their parents for the same singular gift: a puppy. Children often long for a cuddly and loving puppy to play with while their parents see the responsibility lessons that come with owning a pet. Dogs are seen as a meaningful member of the family, but their benefits to human health are also impactful. Compared to cats or other pets, dogs are believed to be the most beneficial. The American Heart Association stated that their research leans towards dogs when looking at life span and reducing heart disease. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs not only fill our hearts, but strengthen them too. Man’s best friend is capable of decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Additionally, dogs essentially lower stress levels by the bond they build with their owner. A medical study done by Harvard University has proven that owning a pooch is associated with reducing stress and preventing loneliness. Coming home to a friendly face and waggy tail often automatically improves moods after a long vigorous day. High school students often feel overwhelmed with their work load and the attempt to balance their social life, which can be emotionally and physically exhausting. A dog could help alleviate the stress. Amidst the discovery of emotional and physical advantages, and the undeniable companionship, came animal-assisted therapy. Intoduction by Peyton McVeigh.
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After eight months of travel, Bill Irwin became the first blind man to complete the Appalachian Trail in 1990. Naturally, he was not able to achieve this feat alone; he was accompanied by a German Sheperd guide dog named Orient. Irwin later went on to become a motivational speaker and Orient became the focus for a children’s book titled, “Orient: Hero Dog Guide of the Appalachian Trail.” Orient was just one out of the hundreds of thousands of service dogs within the US and one out of millions of dogs adopted as pets. The bonds people create with a dog bring benefits to a range of different aspects within life. A 2009 Japanese study found that by looking into their eyes, the human brain releases a boost of oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle chemical” or “love hormone,” in the brain. This hormone is related to the nurturing between parent and children but has shifted into the gaze of a dog for a nurturing relationship between pet and owner. This form of eyeto-eye communication creates the strong,
loving connections between people and their dogs. “My dog is literally my best friend. She’s always there waiting for me in my bed when I get home from a long night at work or when I get home from school,” senior Taylor Kuklish said. “It’s comforting having her always there for me.” The presence of a dog can generate a happy environment that extends beyond the owner and pet. The daily tasks involved in owning a pet like walking, feeding and playing with them, allows people to practice genuine love and care. This slowly becomes noticeable in other relationships the owner has with people. Just as skills or sports have to be practiced in order to get better, the love and care practiced becomes easier to give to others. Growing up with a dog also gives people more confidence and they may become more empathetic towards others. Some elderly citizens use the happy atmosphere dogs provide to keep them company. As their kids get older and family members move away, the dedicated companionship a dog gives them helps decrease the chance of depression or isolation. Australian zoologist Konrad Lorenz was known for his development of the “Infant Schema.” This states that specific facial features like large heads, round faces and big eyes act as social triggers to bring out a natural caregiver response in humans. It explains the protective behavior and increased attention that owners give to their dogs. It also explains why people enjoy scrolling through the internet for any cute pictures or videos of animals they can find. Based on the data collected from a survey at Canisus College involving 962 women, researchers found that women who sleep next to dogs got more rest than those who sleep next to another person or cat. The comfort and security brought by the presence of a dog allows them to sleep with fewer disturbances and have earlier sleep and wake times. Dogs have not only been able to help improve emotional well-being but also physical health. The addition of a dog within a household motivates people to become more active by walking and playing with them daily. It leads to increased joint movement, motor skills and longer and better exercises. A study done at the University of Missouri concluded that walking with a dog increased people’s walking speed by 28 per. while walking with another
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person only increases speed by 4 per. Overall, walking with a dog gives people more productive workouts because they do not have the stress of a human companion that can create a judgemental environment. The major physical benefits of simply walking a dog is followed by benefits to mental health as well. Dog walking increases people’s exposure to the sun which can raise the level of vitamin D in the body. The amount of work done during the walk leads to a release of chemical endorphins within the body. Both vitamin D and endorphins work against depression to make both the dog and human more happy after the walk. “My dog is, according to other people, a little overweight, so I take him out for an hour walk everyday,” math teacher Natalie Stoner said. “I wouldn’t do that if I didn’t have a dog.” For some, coming home to see their dog run up to them after a busy day is a major relief from stress. The feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin released during interactions between dogs and humans play an important role in decreasing stress. In 1980, Aaron Katcher from the University of Pennslyvania and Alan Beck from Purdue University studied the de-stressing characteristics of dogs. By petting them for 15 minutes, their studies have shown this leads to an increase of serotonin and oxytocin in the body to improve people’s mood. Overall, dogs relieve stress in other ways like lowering blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and relaxing muscle tension throughout the body. To dogs, their owner is the center of their world. If their owner is sad, they are able to sense these emotions and act in an attempt to make them feel better. They are naturally able to notice changes in body posture and facial expressions to try and better understand their owner’s emotions. Dogs are also able to conclude our emotions easily because they can sense the levels of serotonin in their owner’s body. Most dogs are drawn to their owner’s side to begin licking away tears, bring a toy or providing comfort. “Whenever I’m stressed, I just cuddle with my dog on the couch or take him out for a walk,” senior Sophia Zhang said. “Woof (that’s my dog’s name) can typically tell whenever I’m feeling down so he’ll make me feel better by bringing me toys or coming over to me.” Psychologists have found that while going through a difficult time in life, making a positive impact on the lives of others can be therapeutic for many, as seen in the relationships between people and dogs. Specifically, emotional support dogs aid in creating a non-stressful and non-judgemental environment to improve the lifestyle of people who may be struggling with mental health problems or want a life companion. “He’s like a kid to me right now, he follows me everywhere.” Mrs. Stoner went through the process of having her dog certified as a support animal after the death of her husband.
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“You’re supposed to go to a website that [certifies the dog] and then they have a psychiatrist call you and ask you certain questions,” Mrs. Stoner said. “He decides whether or not you need emotional support. They sent me the vest and registration. He’s totally registered even though no psychiatrist or anything ever called me. I don’t know how I got away with it, but he has an official ID.” The level of comfort found in dogs is helping kids overcome speech or emotional disorders by encouraging open communication with others. With a dog by someone’s side, they can become more open to socializing and talking to others because of the support provided by the dog and their ability to become a conversation starter. “I would say that my dog has made me open to communication with others,” senior Sophia Zhang said. “Having a dog has made me more empathetic as a person overall.” Emotional therapy dogs are increasing throughout the US as they make appearances within schools, hospitals, nursing homes and airports. “I believe therapy dogs can be very helpful for the people who need them,” Kuklish said. “The main problem we’ve faced is people taking advantage and claiming cats, birds and untrained animals as therapy animals. I think it would be a great thing if trained and well behaved therapy dogs came to places like school, airports and stores. I don’t think there is anything wrong with it and they could make a really positive impacts on the people who need them.” Dogs are able to hold other important positions in our society aside from being our pets or life companion.
Service dogs are helping assist people with disabilities to help improve any setbacks in their lifestyle. Guide dogs help lead visually impaired or blind people to avoid any obstacles. Just how Orient helped Bill Irwin complete the Appalachian Trail, guide dogs can give people with a visual disability the ability to participate in activities that may have seemed impossible at first. For those with a hearing impairment, hearing dogs alert their human to any noises by touching them and leading them toward the noise. When blood sugar drops or rises in humans, a scent is released that can only be detected by dogs. DADs or Diabetic Alert dogs help those living with diabetes by alerting them when there is an imbalance in their blood sugar level before it reaches a harmful level. Seizure response dogs are trained to help their owner during seizures by removing them from an unsafe setting, pressing an alarm or barking for help. After the seizure, these dogs help the person by bringing medicine or a phone and providing comfort. Service dogs provide important aid to the daily activities for many but having a dog as a pet also comes with many benefits that can help everybody with their daily activities. Since the beginning of time, dogs have been by the side of people as a companion to life. With the happy environment and ability to keep people away from depression, it’s almost no wonder why dogs haven’t lost their popularity since then. People go to their dogs in both the saddest and happiest of times. Since people are the center of a dog’s world, it’s important to remember that they need help from people too. The Humane Society for Hamilton County works to save all animals, not just dogs, from harmful situations and find them a safe home through adoption or by being fostered. After a required meet and greet between the entire family and dog, they can be adopted. To do this, the family must fill out an application and pay a $25-$350 fee for their new addition to the family. After, they are able to introduce them to their new home. Overall within today’s society, dogs have been able to make appearances in many places that might be overlooked. Mickey mouse’s pet Pluto, Airbud and Scooby Doo are just a few examples of these. Dogs may be seen within our own homes or a friend’s home. With the wide range of benefits dogs give people it makes sense why these lovable creatures are the center of so many lives and have a variety of appearances within the media. Dogs encourage us to get more active and socialize with others. They protect us from depression and give us a nurturing relationship. They help prevent cardiovascular disease which correlates with their ability to become a method of de-stressing. They help many people with disabilities have the ability to do what they once thought might have been impossible. Dogs have given people so much it is time we thank them for their heartful achievements. Story by Sarah Woodward
Did You Know?
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More than of American households have a pet.
66.7 of dog owners consider their dog to be apart of the family.
44 of dogs are adopted from a shelter or rescue group.
Information from Animals Sheltering and National Center for Health Research.
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Animal Ethics
Anazlying SeaWorld’s treatment of animals Each year, SeaWorld attracts millions of visitors who want to see the marine mammals the theme park has in captivity, according to USA Today. Recently, the park has come under ridicule on numerous occasions for its treatment of animals. This treatment is explored in the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which argued that animals are kept in unhealthy, chlorine-filled tanks as opposed to being in salt water. Following the documentary, SeaWorld reported an 84 percent drop in revenue. While Blackfish is nearly six years old, a renewed interest in SeaWorld’s ethics has arisen due to the replacement of SeaWorld’s CEO last month. “The organization has an outstanding group of dedicated employees who, together, have a clear focus on improving execution, enhancing the guest experience and growing revenue, profitability and free cash flow,” SeaWorld CEO Gustavo Antorcha said. “In addition, I am deeply impressed by the Company’s commitment to animal welfare, conservation, rescue and education.” Compared to the wild, SeaWorld has differences that many view as unfit for their sea animals that need vast spaces to swim. According to onegreenplant.org, orcas can travel more than 100 miles a day. Within the closed tanks in SeaWorld, they can only travel from the sides of their tanks. In addition, the organization claimed that orcas in captivity can suffer from dorsal fin collapse, which is harmful. Numerous animal ethics advocates are also concerned about the life expectancy of animals at SeaWorld. SeaWorld has defended the life expectancy of their orcas
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through research. “Scientists find that killer whales in the North Atlantic may live to 35 years,” research by SeaWorld zoologists said. “New research shows there is no difference in life expectancy between killer whales born at SeaWorld.” In contrast to SeaWorld’s statement, however, is the death of an orca calf that was less than a year old. According to the Washington Post, Kyara the orca died of an infection that was likely pnemonia, however a formal diagnosis was never released. National Geographic has reported that wild orcas can live for up to 80 years. As research on the sea and proper requirements for animals to live best have come more apparent, backlash for SeaWorld has had a toll on profits, with 2018 being the first year SeaWorld had financial growth since the release of Blackfish according to USA Today. In recent years, SeaWorld has put more money into building rides and conducting research, which SeaWorld reports is part of the reason for improving finances. Animal treatment is not only a debated issue for SeaWorld, but also for zoos and performing groups. In 2018, Ringling Brothers Circus and Barnum and Bailey Circus turned over a collective 43 elephants to an animal conservation center in Florida. With numerous people and organizations highlighting the mistreatment of animals across the globe, similar actions in animal ethics could occur in the future. Story by Elizabeth Moodispaugh and Hayden Sisemore.
Head to Head: Zoos, Ethics Teachers share opposing opinions on zoos “I am in support of zoos. We are currently facing the greatest mass extinction we’ve ever seen on this planet due to habitat loss and destruction. Most people you ask aren’t even aware of this. Nelson Mandela said it best, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Zoos are the very first step in raising awareness and love for the creatures we share this planet with. Without a first-hand view of these amazing animals and an up-close-and-personal platform to learn about them, kids and adults alike don’t fall as deeply in love with them. Zoos benefit both the species they inhabit and represent, as well as the communities that surround them and ecosystems all over the world. These animals’ natural habitats are disappearing, and in the wild they are dying – and the only way to help the natural animal kingdom is to spread awareness and educate those around us about these animals and their true unique beauty and dwindling diversity.” Jaclyn Purcell, Science teacher
“Zoos are a benefit to us in terms of educating and making people aware and excited about studying and protecting - but they can be harmful to the animals. It is difficult to give them the space, climate, food and interaction that mimics the wild. I think the thing we need to focus on are the masses (because those that are truly interested will pursue this type of higher education). We really have to focus on the average person and the young - how to hook them and make them want to protect. Advertising is a powerful tool and animals are cute, so we also need to understand that everything is a cog in a great big wheel and if teeth on the cog (an animal species) is wiped out or endangered it has an impact on us all. We are part of a delicate and complex chain...we need to show people that chain and then we might have an appreciation for our relationships. The best thing one could do is to go and see the animals in the wild, and educate themselves that way, rather than just see the animal in captivity.” Angela Fritz, Art teacher
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Harmless or Exploitation?
The controversy behind betting on sports What defines sports gambling? Wikipedia defines sports gambling as the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome. This term applies to friendly bets between friends and family to large organizations and gambling events.
Why is gambling on sports outlawed? The action of betting on sports has always faced criticism from the public. In government, properly regulating its taxes would be too much due to how often betting happens off-record. Along with disapproval from the law, professional sports leagues objected to it as well. Groups like the NBA and NFL were falling victim to matches being fixed.
What is the legality of sports gambling now? Sports gambling is now legal in 10 states, including states like New York, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, which all have major league sports teams and a market for sports betting companies.
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Federally, it is legal for states to start the process of removing rules that are anti-sports gambling. In May 2018, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 in favor of laws that prevented citizens from placing wagers on sports events. With the Supreme Court ruling, it allowed the opportunity for each individual state to choose its stance on the issue. So far, 20 percent of states have taken advantage of the change in law. While sports gambling is currently illegal in Indiana, legislators are working to find a solution. A bill was recently suggested with the solution of legalizing sports gambling if companies agreed to a 9.25 percent tax on all profits. Although Indiana law is technically against the practice, apps like FanDuel and DraftKings, which allow users to bet on different sporting events, are not regulated thoroughly by the state and allow users from Indiana to use their services. That opens up more opportunity to earn money for these businesses, which already bring in millions in revenue. Despite not being able to market in multiple states, the sports gambling industry has still found a way to make a large profit. According to a study done by Owler.com, FanDuel and DraftKings earn more than $100 million combined annually. HSE Economics teacher Jason Marer said, “Legally speaking, fantasy sports are typically considered a game of skill.” Marer said, “So, these two providers have actually done very well in the United States, even though sports betting has been illegal in most states.” With sports gambling growing rapidly in the world of broadcasted athletic events, it plays a major role in games with large audiences. The Super Bowl and March Madness are the main sources of attention for these different apps. With March Madness taking place, corporations like those will try their hardest to get as much attention from the public with bracket challenges and advertisements. FanDuel has already hosted a bracket competition that allows winners to gain points and credit for the app, weeks before the tournament. When asked about the appeal of March Madness Bracket challenges, sophomore Chao Grindean said, “When I’m playing with my friends it adds a lot of fun for us because we’re worried about losing to our friends and being made fun of,” sophomore Chao Grindean said. He was also asked about what the impact of sports gambling would be if it was more enforced in Indiana. “If it was illegal, we would probably still do it,” Grindean said. “When my friends and I hang out we make small bets all the time which means we can still have fun.” Most people who use apps like DraftKings and FanDuel have this same opinion. The appeal of it is not developed by the actual joy of betting, but it is made by the experiences that the users get when betting with their friends and family. With sports gambling popping up in everyday friend groups and becoming a common action, it wouldn’t be absurd to expect full legalization of the practice throughout the country soon. With the expansion of sports gambling, the entire industry of placing wagers has a bright future in front of it. Story by Lucas Bisesi.
History of March Madness
University of California, Los Angeles holds the record for the most NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball championships with 11 titles. John Wooden coached the university for 10 of its 11 championships. The University of Connecticut is the only school to ever win both the women’s and men’s championship title in the same year. It occured in both 2004 and 2014.
The odds for predicting a completely perfect March Madness bracket are 1:9,223,372,036,854,775,808. While the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball tournament has been played since 1939, the term “March Madness” was not used until 1982 when announcer Brett Musburger said it during his coverage of the tournament. Statistics from CNN and thebestschools.org.
Athlete of the Issue
Turner Edwards Trait: Sportsmanship Turner Edwards is a senior on the varsity rugby team. He is currently undecided about his future college plans. “When asked about a player with good sportsmanship Turner Edwards comes to mind. He has been apart of the HSE rugby team for 3 years. He is always the first to reach a hand out to the opponent to help them off the ground after a hard hit. He is very respectful to other players, opponents and parents before, during and after the match.” Walker Elder, assistant rugby coach “I try to always be there for my team when they need me, whether it is a ride to practice or if they just need someone to talk to.” Turner Edwards, 12 HSENews.com
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In This Issue... There’s a reason the saying “man’s best friend” was created in reference to dogs. Between their role as pets and companions, and their services to law enforcement, the disabled and more, dogs play an important role in everyday life. Dogs and their owners form tight bonds, built around mutual support and affection. For this issue of the Orb, the staff wanted to dive into the world of dogs, we asked students about the effects their dog has had on them in order to examine the positive roles dogs play in bettering our lives. From three-pound chihuahuas to record-breaking mastiffs, dogs of all breeds and sizes are cherished by mankind. Additionally, this issue looks into ecotherapy and environmental care (page 4), students creating change in the community (page 6) and differing outlooks on zoos (page 12).